Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
South Korea exported US$1.69 billion worth of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and medical devices in August, up 42 percent from a year ago.
According to data from the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), the exports got a big lift from the growing demand for COVID-19-related medical devices.
The country exported $660 million worth of medicines, up 70.9 percent from a year ago, while medical devices exports rose 51.7 percent to $430 million. Cosmetics exports were up 15.6 percent to $599 million.
The increase in exports was for the 12th consecutive month since September last year.
China made the most importation for such products, followed by Germany, the US, and Japan.
The KHDI expects annual exports of South Korea's healthcare industry to reach about $20 billion if the trend continues.
